In my January 2012 Alberta Outdoorsmen column (now on magazine stands), I look at where Alberta’s various political parties stand on protecting the environment, including fish and wildlife. Pundits are predicting a spring election, and it is a unique time in Alberta’s political history.

For the first time in decades, the incumbent Progressive Conservative government is not assured a victory. Sure, it currently has a lead in the polls that indicates it could seat another majority government, but it is not assured. There has been a shuffle in Alberta politics, and there are some new parties and new leaders on both sides of the fence. So, it will be an interesting election when it is called.

All that said, the policies of most parties in terms of the environment and fish and wildlife are lacking in clear thought and direction, and that is a problem. For too long our government has pushed protection of the environment and conservation of our fish and wildlife resources to the back burner while it tries to exploit as much oil and gas resources as fast as possible. So, we have a unique opportunity in this election to bring forward what truly protects our long-term health and prosperity.